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What most consumers call a mold test is actually a mold air sampling or surface sampling.Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs and Estero home buyers often hire inspectors
to perform "Mold Tests" or "Air Quality Tests", these mold air samples can help determine the extent of
a mold problem and sometimes the presence of a mold problem. To often homebuyers and homeowners are under the impression that
mold air sampling is an inspection or assessment for the presence of mold in a home or structure. Mold air sampling will not identify the source of the mold problem, and may not even indicate there is a mold problem.
Some mold spore don't generally become aerosolized / airborne unless they are disturbed or there is a drastic humidity change,
some may not be airborne at certain times of day. It should
be understood by homebuyers in Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island and Estero that although hundreds of "mold tests"
are sold each week by home inspectors and people involved in Real Estate; a mold inspection (assessment) is the only
way to be sure "home does or does not have a mold problem". Mold Air Sampling - Mold Test - Air Quality Test is NOT a Mold Inspection /Assessment.
Please contact our office to schedule:
Radon Tests / Mold Assessments (inspections) & Sampling
Formaldehyde & VOC Tests / Allergen Screening
Radon & Mold Professionals Toll free: (800) 881-3837
195 5th Street, Bonita springs, FL 34134 .... (239) 498-4619
188 1st Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 .... (239) 948-9717
radonandmoldprofessionals@gmail.com or radonandmoldprofessionals@comcast.net
With an elevated mold air sampling report, recommendation
will be to have a mold inspection/assessment which will identify the source and location of the problem, and
provide written detailed remediation protocols. You cannot label a home as having a mold problem based solely on
mold air samples alone.
Important Notice – Mold Air Sampling vs. Mold Inspection We have been experiencing a recurring situation where the home inspector’s client/buyer is getting an air
sample only report with an elevated mold reading and is frustrated and confused why another inspection with an additional
cost needs to be performed as they claim to be under the impression that an inspection was already being conducted. We are
therefore strongly encouraging our clients to educate their clients about the differences between mold air sampling only and
a visual mold inspection so they can make an informed decision about what level of mold assessment they want performed and
understand the significant limitations that performing “air samples only” brings to the table. Air sampling only for mold is not
a conclusive means of determining whether or not a given home has a mold problem. It cannot by itself, identify “source”
locations of mold and is widely considered by industry professionals to be solely used as a means in determining the extent
of a mold problem, not to determine if there is one.
Air sample analysis showing non-elevated levels does not mean the home is
free of any mold problems. Depending on the home’s current moisture conditions, existing but “hidden” mold
from water damage or humidity driven mold growth can be present, even extensively, but in a dormant or dead state and thus
is not producing aerosolized spores. Either scenario could cost thousands of dollars in mold remediation and is often not
identified via air sampling only.
Air sample analysis showing elevated levels does not necessarily mean that the home has
any mold problems. Air samples are very subjective to a multitude of factors and can therefore indicate an elevation but may
just be a “false positive”. So they need to be aware that if we are contracted for “air
samples only” and an elevation is identified in the lab work that this will prompt us to make a recommendation for a
visual inspection (at an additional fee) to inspect the property for “source” locations. If a problem exists,
it will then be fully documented and provided with appropriate clean up recommendations. If a problem does not exist and the
assessor feels that the initial air sampling was a false positive, another air sample set will be collected to verify the
visual inspection findings.
As illustrated above,
performing air samples only is very risky, as without the visual inspection, properly interpreting the laboratory results
as a conclusive perspective cannot be accomplished. It has been our experience that most people really want to know “is
there or isn’t there a mold problem” when buying their home, if this is your client’s position, strongly
encourage them to have the mold inspection that includes air samples so a proper determination about the home’s mold
status can be provided to the client and they can then make an informed decision about their purchase and not postpone closing.
For your convenience and in addition to the information provided on page 1 of this document,
we have provided below, select portions of the Minimum Standards and Practices for Mold Assessors according to Florida Law. Florida Statute: 61-31.701 - Minimum Standards
and Practices for Mold Assessors
(1) The purpose of a mold assessment
is to determine the sources, locations, and extent of mold growth in a building and to determine the condition(s) that caused
the mold growth. (3) A visual inspection to identify the presence of visible mold and/or
excessive, unplanned moisture intrusion (past and present). (a) A visual inspection should include
all surfaces inside the building, hidden areas where moisture sources may be present, such as but not limited to, crawl spaces,
attics, and behind vinyl wallpaper, baseboards, carpets, and wallboard wherever possible.
(b) Specific indicators to note during the visual
assessment include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Suspect mold growth; 2.
Musty odor; 3. Moisture damage; and 4. Damp building materials and/or conditions. Mold Inspection (assessment) Report (5) An assessor shall prepare a Mold Assessment Report (MAR), to
include a Mold Remediation Protocol (MRP), that is specific to each remediation project and provide the MRP to the client
before the remediation begins.
Radon & Mold Professionals are often hired by Naples, Bonita Springs,
Estero and Ft Myers home inspectors and Real Estate Agents representing homebuyers to perform mold air sampling.
Since we seldom have contact with the homebuyer, we cannot explain the difference between Mold Air Sampling and Mold Assessment.
We make every effort to help the consumer make an informed choice as to what service they should have.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/chapter3.html “Sampling may help locate the source of mold contamination, identify some of the mold
species present, and differentiate between mold and soot or dirt.”
“1.
Poor reason for testing “To find out if there is mold” A complex mixture
of mold particles normally exists in all occupied indoor environments. If appropriate testing is done, it is expected that
molds will be found. There is, however, an important distinction between the normal presence of mold particles, versus mold
growth and accumulation indoors. Unfortunately, even when it is done well, testing may not be able to distinguish between
“normal” and “problem” conditions and it may even give misleading results. When mold is allowed to grow and multiply indoors, it poses a potential health risk and damages what it grows on.
When mold growth is visible or mold odors can be smelled, it is common sense that there is a problem that should not be tolerated.
“ “Finding a Mold Problem MDH does not recommend
mold testing in many cases, especially as the first response to an indoor air quality concern. Instead, careful detailed visual
inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas
where there are signs of liquid moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation
goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely
and effectively.”
http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html?__utma=5453745.831797786.1389720145.1389720145.1389720145.1&__utmb=5453745.13.9.1389720555618&__utmc=5453745&__utmx=&__utmz=5453745.1389720145.1.1.utmcsr=epa.gov|utmccn=(referral)|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/mold/index.html&__utmv=5453745.|1=visitor%20id=831797786=1&__utmk=81424659#Sampling Keep in mind that air sampling for mold provides information only for the moment in time in which
the sampling occurred, much like a snapshot. Air sampling will reveal, when properly done, what was in the air at the moment
when the sample was taken.
Should
I Test For Mold? http://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsp/i-moldinyourhome.html “Testing
should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture
problems and remove all visible growth.”
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0468/0468PartXVIContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2013&Title=%2D%3E2013%2D%3EChapter%20468%2D%3EPart%20XVI The 2013 Florida Statutes
PART XVI MOLD-RELATED SERVICES 468.84 Mold-related services licensing program; legislative purpose. 468.841 Exemptions. 468.8411 Definitions. 468.8412 Fees. 468.8413 Examinations. 468.8414 Licensure. 468.8415 Renewal of license. 468.8416 Continuing education. 468.8417 Inactive license. 468.8418 Certification of partnerships and corporations. 468.8419 Prohibitions; penalties. 468.842 Disciplinary proceedings. 468.8421 Insurance. 468.8422 Contracts. 468.8423 Grandfather clause. 468.8424 Rulemaking authority.
61-31.602 Disciplinary Guidelines. (1) Whenever the Department finds a licensee guilty of violating a provision of Chapter 455, F.S.
or Chapter 468, Part XVI, F.S., the following Disciplinary Guidelines shall be followed. The identification of violations is descriptive only; the full language of each statutory provision cited
must be consulted in order to determine the conduct included:
| Statutory Violation |
Description
of Violation (This description is a general summary). | Penalty Range for First Violation. | Penalty Range for Subsequent Violation.
| | (a) Violation of: Section 468.842(1)(a) or 455.227(1)(q),
F.S. | Violation of any provision of
Chapter 468, Part XVI or Section 455.227(1), F.S. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, or Suspension.
| Fine up to $5000; Plus Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (b) Violation of:
Section
468.842(1)(b) or 455.227(1)(h), F.S. |
Attempting
to procure a license by bribery or fraudulent misrepresentations.
| Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of License. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Probation, Suspension, Revocation, or Denial
of License. | | (c) Violation of: Section 468.842(1)(c) or 455.227(1)(f), F.S. | Having a license to practice mold assessment or mold remediation revoked, suspended, denied or acted against
in another state, territory or country. |
Fine
up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation.
| Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (d) Violation of:
Section
468.842(1)(d) or 455.227(1)(c), F.S. |
Being
convicted, found guilty, pleading nolo contendere to a crime, in any jurisdiction, that directly relates
to the practice or ability to practice. |
Fine
up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Suspension, or Revocation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Revocation. | |
(e)
Violation of: Section 468.842(1)(e) or 455.227(1)(l), F.S. | Making or filing a known false report, willfully failing to file a
required record or report, willfully impeding or obstructing such filing. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation Suspension, or Revocation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Revocation. | | (f) Violation of:
Section
468.842(1)(f), F.S. | Advertising goods or
services in a manner that is fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading in form or content. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, or Suspension. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation.
| | (g) Violation of: Section 468.842(1)(g), F.S. |
Engaging in fraud, deceit, negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the practice of mold assessment or remediation
services. | Fine up to $5000;
Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation.
| Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (h) Violation of:
Section
468.842(1)(h), F.S. | Failing to perform any
statutory or legal obligation placed upon a licensed mold assessor or remediator; violating any provision
of Chapter 468, Part XVI, F.S.; violating an order of the department previously entered. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, or Suspension. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (i) Violation of:
Section
468.832(1)(i) , F.S. | Practicing on a revoked, suspended,
inactive or delinquent license. | Fine up to $1000
+ Costs; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation.
| Fine up to $5000; Plus Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (j) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(a), F.S. | Making false, fraudulent, deceptive
or misleading representations in or related to the practice of the licensee’s profession. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, or Suspension. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (k) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(b), F.S. | Intentional violation of any
administrative rule. | Fine up to $1000;
Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension. |
Fine
up to $5000; Plus Suspension, Revocation. | |
(l)
Violation of: Section 455.227(1)(g), F.S. | Having been found civilly liable for knowingly filing a false report
or complaint against another licensee. |
Fine
up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, or Probation. |
Fine
up to $5000; Plus Suspension, or Revocation. | |
(m)
Violation of: Section 455.227(1)(i), F.S. | Knowingly concealing information regarding violation of Chapter 468,
Part XVI, F.S., or rules of the department. |
Fine
up to $1000; Plus Reprimand. | Fine up to $5000;
Plus Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | |
(n)
Violation of: Section 455.227(1)(j), F.S. | Aiding, assisting, procuring, employing or advising unlicensed person
or entity to practice profession contrary to Chapter 468, Part XVI or Chapter 455, F.S. or rules of the department. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation.
| Fine up to $5000; Plus Suspension,
or Revocation. | | (o) Violation of: Section 455.227(1)(k) , F.S. | Failing to perform any statutory or legal obligation of licensee. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Suspension, or Revocation. | | (p) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(n), F.S. | Exercise influence on client
for improper financial gain of licensee or third party. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Reprimand, Probation, Suspension, or Revocation. | | (q) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(o), F.S. | Practicing beyond the scope of
license. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Suspension. | | (r) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(p), F.S. | Accepting and performing
or delegating responsibilities licensee knows or should know he or the delegee is not competent to perform. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, or Probation. | Fine up to $5000; Plus Suspension, or Revocation. | | (r) Violation of:
Section
455.227(1)(r), F.S. | Interfering with an investigation,
inspection or disciplinary proceeding. |
Fine
up to $1000; Plus Reprimand, Probation Suspension, or Denial of Licensure. | Fine up to $1000; Plus Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of Licensure. |
(2) Additional conditions which may be imposed through a final order: (a) Licensee is placed on probation for a period of time as determined
by the Department; (b) Failure
to comply with any provision of an order shall result in the filing of a new complaint and if the licensee is found to be
in violation, the license will be suspended until the licensee is compliant; (c) The licensee shall demonstrate compliance with all the conditions
of the final order, prior to the lifting of probation; (d) Licensee shall complete additional continuing education courses of a specified type, as set forth
by the final order, not to exceed more than 14 hours of continuning education courses. (3) Aggravating/Mitigating Circumstances: The existence of aggravating or mitigating circumstances, as set forth below, will permit deviation
from the guidelines upon clear and convincing evidence. (a) Aggravating circumstances; circumstances which may justify deviating from the disciplinary guidelines
include, but are not limited to: 1. History of previous violations of the practice act or the rules promulgated thereunder; 2. The magnitude and scope of the project and the damage
inflicted upon the public; 3.
Evidence of violations of professional practice acts in this or other jurisdictions which resulted in discipline by the regulatory
authority; 4. Failure
to attempt to correct the violation by the licensee; 5. Any other relevant aggravating circumstances.
(b) Mitigating circumstances; circumstances which may justify deviating from the disciplinary
guidelines include, but are not limited to: 1. In cases of negligence, the minor nature of the project in question and the lack of danger to the
public health, safety or welfare which resulted; 2. Lack of previous disciplinary history in this or any other jurisdiction wherein the licensee practices
or has practiced; 3. Restitution
of any damages suffered by the licensee’s client; 4. Remedial steps taken by the licensee to avoid similar violations in the future; 5. Attempts by the licensee to correct the violation; 6. Any other relevant mitigating circumstances. Rulemaking Authority 455.2035, 455.2273, 468.8424 FS. Law Implemented
455.227, 455.2273, 468.8419, 468.842 FS. History‒New 1-30-14.
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